Thursday, June 26, 2014

Matariki Celebrations





Wow - what an amazing week we have had, (apart from this terrible bug going around). Te Matau A Maui visiting Te Mahia School on Monday was the start of our week. We found out more about why the waka was built, the many different parts of the world it has sailed, how the crew learn to navigate and traditional tikanga and kawa involved. A community hui was then held on Monday night sharing more korero. Tuesday morning, our day started at 9am with a powhiri at Tuahuru Marae. Nga Awa, Nga Maunga and Nga Marae were all spoken about by community people. After lunch, the children then chose their workshop they wanted to be involved in: Mirimiri, Harakeke, Rewana Bread, Arts and Crafts, Maths, Te Reo, Manutukutuku. After afternoon tea, we heard stories from our Nanny's and Koro about a wide range of topics. After a scrumptious dinner, we once again heard from the Waka Crew. The night concluded with toasting marhsmallows and a fireworks display.



Wednesday saw us flying our kites early in the morning and looking out for the seven sisters sparkling in the sky. After a massive cleanup at Tuahuru, we headed around to Mahia Beach to board Te Matau A Maui.



What an amazing couple of days where our school, kohanga and community came together to celebrate a very special time of the year. To those people that gave a koha of putea, food or your time, thank you so very much. Our Whanau Advisory Groups Members, Whaea Rach and Whaea Julie wanted this experience to happen for our tamariki and how lucky are we it did. To Aunty Vienna who took charge of the menu and the kitchen, we were so spoilt. Thank you Miss Grover for doing the massive grocery shop. To our whanau that carried out the powhiri, thank you. Uncle Wigs and Uncle Jacko were our local fire brigade volunteers who ensured everyones safety while down on the beach. To Te Matau A Maui Waka Crew who came and shared your knowledge and expertise, we all felt extremely honored and privileged to have you with us. And all of our whanau that supported, encouraged and helped our tamariki have a memorable time - TOO MUCH!!!










No comments:

Post a Comment